Wondering What To Do On A Hawaii Vacation - Part III Of IV: The Island Of Kauai, Hawaii
Wonder no more. Check out this See-All Activity Itinerary for the island of Kauai, in Hawaii. Designed for the budget, student, and adventure traveler, this is an aggressive itinerary for a first time visit to Kauai. The energetic and time-deprived traveler can do this in 3 days but it is highly recommended to add a day or three to each of the days mentioned here. Since this is designed for the budget and adventure-oriented traveler, activities that require money are noted with "$".
Kauai, Hawaii See-All Itinerary:
Day 1:
1. Get on Hwy 50 west from Lihue. Follow signs to Poipu Beach (#520). Check out one of the most popular beaches in Kauai, great for snorkeling, calm waters, and family-friendly.
2. Leave Poipu and get back on Hwy 50 west, turn on #540 to check out the Kauai Coffee Company for free coffee samples.
3. Check out the historic town of Hanapepe next for shopping and the swinging bridge.
4. Continue west and then turn north on 550 in Waimea.
5. Follow 550 for beautiful views and a lookout of Waimea Canyon, the grand canyon of Hawaii. There are several short and longer hikes in this area if time permits (especially the Akaka Swamp Trail).
6. Leave Waimea and get back on 50 west. Follow this to the end of the main road and enter a dirt road to Polihale State Beach Park. Enjoy one of the longest beaches in Hawaii and a beautiful view of the south part of the Na Pali coast (swimming not recommended here due to strong currents and waves). Find a beautiful spot on the west coast for the sunset.
Stay: Vacation rental in Hanapepe.
Day 2:
1. Start back east and check out any other sights on the south coast that interest you.
2. Pass Lihue and check out Lydgate Beach's sheltered swimming for snorkeling and a picnic.
3. Turn left on #580 for a lookout of Opaekaa Falls on the right and another beautiful lookout on the left.
4. Take a self-guided kayak tour of the Fern Grotto (includes 2 mile round trip hike to Sacred Falls) $.
5. Back on the road, check out Kapaa town for shopping, groceries, and people watching.
6. Continue up #56, which offers many beaches to the right, a lighthouse in Kilauea, and the Guava Kai Plantation for free samples, on the left side of the road.
Stay: Condo or Hostel in Kapaa.
Day 3:
1. Continue west to check out the north shore's beautiful beaches and rainforests. Stop at Secret Beach, Anini Beach, Hanalei Bay, or Tunnels (good for snorkeling if waters are calm).
2. Check out the surf town of Hanalei.
3. Continue down #560 with its one lane bridges to see caves on the left, beaches on the right, and rainforest views.
4. Park at the end of the road at Kee Beach and do the first section of the Kalalau Trail. This 2 miles each-way hike to Hanakapiai Beach offers some vast and wonderful views of the Na Pali coast. Bring good shoes if it's rainy since there are some semi-steep sections (although well worth every bit of effort).
Stay: Condo or Hostel in Kapaa.
The Hawaiian Islands have vast opportunity for adventure and exploration. Make sure you get out and truly experience what these islands have to offer.
